2012 Michigan Technological University

Relevant Courses:
Embedded Sensor Networks, Dist Embedded Control Systems, Computer Networks, Distribution System Emergency, Artificial Intelligence, Detection and Estimation Theory, GPU and Multicore Programming (audit), Graph Theory and Optimization, Advanced Computer Architecture.

GPA 3.61

Thesis Research:
View my full Thesis hosted by MTU.

• Problem - Charging the batteries of PHEVs and PEVs will increase the daily electricity demand by per household approximately 40%. This aggregated demand can decrease efficiency and threaten grid stability during peak usage hours.
• Proposed Solution - Implement a primary distribution controller to collect Location Marginal Pricing (LMP) predictions and vehicular constraints in order to schedule the charging/discharging times for vehicles connecting to the feeder.
• Outcome - This optimized scheduling increased the base load with little to no increase in the peak demand. This also improved power quality while reducing the peak demand under certain conditions.

Published:
Transportation Electrification Conference and Expo (ITEC) 2012 - Minimizing residential distribution system operating costs by intelligently scheduling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle charging.

Graduate Advisors:
Dr. Chee-Wooi Ten - MTU Profile - LinkedIn Profile
Dr. Chungxaio (Tricia) Chigan - MTU Profile - LinkedIn Profile

Graduate Teaching Assistantship:

• EE4800: Practical Circuit Design - 1 Credit - Covers specific topics in electrical engineering.
• EE4735: Embedded System Programming - 3 Credits - Introduces concepts and skills of microcontrollers with limited resources. Describes basic microcontroller interfaces with sensors, motors and networks. Topics include microcontroller programming using C, real time operating systems, embedded networking and embedded control, sensor networks, and mobile robotics.
• EE3306: Electronic Design with Microprocessor - 1 Credit - Covers the design and analysis of electronic circuits with microprocessor applications.
• EE3305: Circuit and Analysis Lab - 1 Credit - Covers circuit design and analysis, and linear system applications.
• EE3010: Circuits and Instrumentation - 3 Credits - Designed for non-majors. Covers the principles of electrical and electronic measurements, including dc, ac, semiconductor devices, amplifiers, and filtering.
• EE2304: Logic and Signals Lab - 1 Credit - Experimental solution of engineering problems. Includes design, simulation, and evaluation; advanced measurement techniques in digital and signal processing systems.

Awards:
2011 Graduate Teacher of the Year Award - Department of Computer and Electrical Engineering.

2010 Michigan Technological University

Relevant Courses:
Embedded System Programming, Systems Programming, Electric Energy Systems, Computer Graphics - Foundations, Digital Image Processing.

GPA 3.45

Senior Design:
Automotive Climate Control Device Validation - Sponsored by Behr-Hella ThermoControl. I was part of a team that created a mobile bed of nails platform for product testing and validation.
The mobile, all inclusive test device, could be taken to any vehicular testing center, allowing for technicians in charge of validating the hardware (Thermal Control Systems in Chevy Vehicles) to determine where the devices failed. Previous to this, technicians would have to ship the faulty control board units back to the factory, using the end of line bed of nails validation device determine which components and devices were broken. This problem not only cost them time and money in shipping charges, but it required the product line to be halted while they tested the hardware.
Our solution weighed less than 30 pounds, had a battery supply for when a wall outlet was not available, and was able to communicate with any laptop with National Instrument's Labview. Since the company created two types of boards, a technician could switch out the testing hardware easily, without any special training. The bed of nails utilized testing points on the boards in addition to reading CAN error codes to determine the problem with the specified hardware. This was used to find problem areas, allowing designers to create more robust units while keeping the production costs to a minimum.

Study Abroad:
University of Malta in 2009 - Studied history, international relations, and globalization.

Internship:
Skyweb Networks 2008 - Skyweb Networks was a small internet service provider consisting of less than 20 people. Skyweb utilizes wireless modems to grant high speed (Up to 6Mbps) internet to residents in rural areas around Saginaw who were outside of the service area for other ISPs, and did not want the high latency of DSL. In addition to this, we also served customers in the metropolitan area of Saginaw who wanted an alternative ISP, one with better customer service.
I assisted employees with everything from hot spot surveys and setup to configuring modems for installation in residential customer's homes.
I was also part of a team responsible for fixing and rebuilding broken computers. These devices ranged from virus infected or unbootable machines, to those that suffered hardware failure and needed parts replaced. These machines ran on all operating systems including Microsoft Windows, Apple OS, and various Linux distributions.

Positions:
Worked in the Computer Science Learning Center for 2 years.

2013: Student Pilot
Private Pilot Ground School Completed